Diamond Sports Group, a company that operates regional sports networks and is currently going through bankruptcy, has announced a new partnership with Amazon. This partnership will allow fans in specific regions to watch their favorite teams through Prime Video. The agreement covers 16 RSNs in 31 states and will be available as an add-on subscription for Amazon Prime users within each team’s designated geographic area. The pricing and start date for this service have not been determined yet. It is important to note that this agreement is nonexclusive, meaning fans can also stream local games through the FanDuel Sports Network website.
This announcement comes as a positive development for Diamond Sports Group, which is set to begin its confirmation hearing in bankruptcy court. Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves have withdrawn their objection to Diamond’s reorganization plan, signaling a potential path for the company to emerge from bankruptcy as a restructured business. Diamond has also reached new agreements with the Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays, as well as an amended deal with the Braves. The only MLB club that remains unsettled in this process is the Kansas City Royals, which is a joint-venture team with partial ownership of its regional sports network.
Earlier this year, Diamond announced that Amazon would become a minority investor in the company, injecting $115 million into the business. However, Amazon later pulled out as an investor while negotiating media rights deals with the NBA and the WNBA. Despite this setback, Diamond was able to secure a commercial agreement with Amazon, paving the way for expanded reach and better viewer engagement.
David Preschlack, the CEO of Diamond, expressed optimism about the partnership with Amazon, stating that it creates a tremendous opportunity to connect with viewers and enhance the overall viewing experience. The company’s goal is to reorganize its business and offer a leading linear and digital sports offering that will provide long-term value to its partners and fans.
In addition to its MLB deals, Diamond also holds linear and digital streaming rights for several NBA and NHL teams. The company recently announced that it will offer single-game options for direct-to-consumer NBA and NHL games starting in December. With the new agreements in place, Diamond has addressed concerns raised by MLB and the Braves regarding its reorganization plan.
Overall, the partnership between Diamond Sports Group and Amazon represents a significant step forward for the company as it navigates through bankruptcy proceedings and works towards a successful restructuring. By leveraging the reach and resources of Amazon, Diamond aims to provide fans with more access to their favorite teams and games, creating a win-win situation for all parties involved.